Iron Creek Reconnection

Project Narrative

The original objectives (two phases) of the project were met with some modifications to the originally proposed activities. Phase 1: This phase included riparian protection through the installation of livestock exclusion fence (.7 miles) to protect the riparian area. To further protect the riparian area a stock water system of pipelines and a trough was installed. The stock water system receives water from an infiltration gallery and the pumping station. Phase 2: Significant irrigation improvements to change from flood irrigation to a sprinkler system were implemented. Those improvements included the installation of 3-phase power upgrade to the new pump, two large sprinkler pivots and associated system upgrades were completed by April 30, 2007. As part of the irrigation improvement, irrigation withdraws (at four diversions) were moved from Iron Creek to the pumping station on the Salmon River. The four diversions were removed. One water gauge was installed. The irrigation improvements resulted in 5 cfs of water returned to the stream.The original proposal included extending power to the second pivot by bringing a line across the main Salmon River. Instead, the line was laid and buried in the same trench as the main line to the pivot. This work was originally proposed to be completed by ID Power. Instead, the landowner completed this work as part of his cost-share obligation. There were high water flows in the spring of 2006 that resulted in heavy sediment that caused damage to the pump and irrigation intake system. Repairs were made to both. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game Screen Shop will work with the landowner to permanently resolve any further sediment issues.